Winona County, Minnesota - Miscellaneous, 1883

Miscellaneous

Bethany Mokavian church was organized by Rev. H. Reuswig, July 6, 1867. It was composed ot people residing in the townships of Norton and LFtica, and numbered fourteen adult members and three children. The first meetings were held at the house of Ferdinand Hans, on Sec. 4, and subsequently in the ' ' Red sclioolhouse," on Sec. 5. In a short time a residence and schoolhouse, in one building, were constructed on the northeast corner of the latter section, and meetings were held in the schoolroom. In 1872 a church building was erected adjoining the schoolhouse. This is 40x50 feet in area, and has a capacity for seating three hundred persons ; its cost was $1,500, and that of the other buildings of the society about $900. A handsome and convenient parsonage was built near the church, on Sec. 32, Norton township, by Rev. Reuswig, and is now rented for the use of his successor ; it will, doubtless, soon be purchased by the society. Rev. J. Peter Gutensohn took charge of the ]mrish, on the withdrawal of Mr. Reuswig, in July, 1882. Although several communicants have gone away, there is still a powerful organization, including eighty-eight adult people ; there is a Sunday-school of over sixty members, presided over by Julius Schattschneider. The elders of the body are William Buchholz and August Strehlow. Tiiere is a board of five trustees, of which William Benedit is president, Julius Schattschneider secretary and Ferdinard Hans treasurer ; the other members are John Schwager and William Scheel.

The first Universalist sermon delivered in this township was at the funeral of Oliver Peabody, January 12, 1868, by Rev. §. A. Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner subsequently delivered several discourses here, and finding some encouragement, proceeded to the organization of a society. In 1870 this was accomplished, the membership then numbering forty persons. J. H. Perry, James Holt and Benjamin Ellsworth were the trustees, and Benjamin Peabody secretary. A strong ladies' society was also a part of the church machinery. Shortly after the organization, Rev. I. M. Westphall took charge and preached in the schoolhouse at Utica once a month for five years. He was succeeded by a Mr. Marvin, who labored one year. Several of the members having died or moved away, there was not sufficient strength to maintain preaching, and it has occurred only at rare intervals since. Meetings are occasionally held in the schoolhouse near the residence of J. H. Perry, and there is still a strong leaven of [Jniversalism in the township.

Wewspapers. - During the year 1881 O. S. Reed began the publication of a democratic paper called the " Lewiston Index." Finding no support in that democratic stronghold, he removed his establishment to Utica, where C. M. Boyles, then teaching there, agreed to assume editorial charge and share the expense of publication. The first issue of the Utica "Transcript" was put forth on November 20, 1881. It was a five-column quarto, neutral in politics, and flourished for a season. Mr. Boyles withdrew from connection with it in April following, and soon the paper began to advocate the greenback idea, which proved its deathblow, and it was discontinued on July 1. These are all the journalistic ventures ever attempted in this town.

James H. Perry, farmer, was born September 26, 1827, in Dutchess county. New York, where his father, Sanriuel Perry, was born, February 26, 1794. His mother, Minerva, was a daughter of Dr. Mather, of Connecticut, descendant of the renowned Cotton Mather, of Salem, and was born September 24, 1798. Samuel Perry removed to Chautauqua county when the subject of this sketch was but a small boy, and the latter was reared on a farm there, attending the common school, and spendhig a short time at Westfield Academy. At nineteen years of age he began teaching, and taught six terms. His father was a carpenter, and he early learned the use of tools, and soon became a valuable assistant in his father's labors. In 1854 he set out for the wide west. After working at his trade for two years in Johnstown, Wisconsin, he returned to New York, and in the spring of 1857, came to Winona, and again took up carpenter work. In 1859 he purchased 320 acres of land, lying in Sees. 29 and 30, Utica, and removed to his present residence on Sec. 29 in March, 1860. lie now has 360 acres in this township, and is a prosperous and progressivle farmer. He has been called upon to manage town affairs nearly every year since his residence here, having been a supervisor fifteen years, and chairman of the board all that time, save two years. He has been twent3^-three years a school officer, and in the fall of 1882 was elected county commissioner for the term of three years. He was one of the active organizers of the Universalist society in his township, and has labored to sustain it from first to last. In political principle he is a democrat. On December 7, 1856, Mr. Perry was joined in holy matrimony to Miss LncindaM., daughter of Amasa Morey, of Rhode Island, and Abigail Young, of Connecticut. She was born in West Winfield, New York, June 19, 1833. They have five children, born as here recorded : Fred L., January 14, 1858, married Ella M. Baker, and lives on Sec. 30, opposite his father's residence; Lillian E., February 13, 1800; Eva A., December 9, 1862; Edith E., March 11, 1865; James W., October 12, 1868. In 1863 Mr. Perry was drafted as a soldier, but supplied a substitute, as he could not leave his family.

Jonathan Moshek, farmer, has been a resident of Winona county since 1860, arriving here April 24, that year. He bought fitly acres of land in Norton township, on which he dwelt till December, 1862, when he sold it. On November 18, 1863, he enlisted in the 2d Minn. Cav., Co. I, and served till November 22, 1865, on the western frontier ; he was stationed at Fort Snelling, Kasota, Fort Ridgely, Jackson and Heron Lake, at various periods of this time. In the spring of 1866 he bought a piece of land on Sec. 30, Utica, where he has continued since to dwell and till the soil. He has seventy-nine acres of level and finely improved land, and is an independent farmer. Mr. Mosher is somewhat skeptical about the divine authority of the bible, although a believer in and supporter of religion? He votes the republican ticket. Mr. Moslier is a son of Ricliard Mosher, a native of Westchester county, New York, and was born in Bedford, in the same county, March 12, 1836 ; his mother's maiden name was Mehetable Jerman, and she was born in Connecticut. Jonathan Mosher assisted his father on the farm, and attended the common scliool till seventeen years old, after which he cared for himselt, working out at farm labor. In 1858 he went west and located in Green Lake county, Wisconsin. Here he was married, in February, 1859, to Mary E., daughter of John Corbett, of Boston, and Abigail Hurd, of Harmony. Maine ; she was born in Belfast, Maine, January 13, 1839. They have four living children, given them as below noted : Ernest, born December 21, 1861, now a student of the Winona Normal School ; Eviah, born October 4, 1869 ; Laura, born December 1, 1871 ; Roy, born September 30, 1875.

John Posz, farmer, was born in Billegheim, Bavaria, May 19, 1827. He attended the common schools of his native land till fourteen years old, as there required by law, and so made use of his opportunities as to secure a large fund of general information. This, coupled with a naturally perceptive mind, enabled him to acquire a good knowledge of American ideas, customs and language on his arrival in this country, and he now ranks among the progressive and leading men of Winona county. Mr. Posz crossed the ocean in 1849, and was employed as a moulder for many years in a Connecticut four dry. In 1858 he came to Utica, and has ever since followed farming here. At first he purchased forty acres of land on Sec. 10; his next acquisition of land embraced twenty-six acres, the next forty, and so on till he now has 240 acres of prairie land and a fortyacre timber lot in Elba township. He was elected supervisor in 1869, assessor in 1874 and the three succeeding years; again chosen supervisor in 1879 and every year since He is an independent democrat : in religion a Calvinist, and a member of Aurora Grove Druids, Lewiston. Mr. Posz was united in marriage, March 4, 1854, to Margaret Bickel, who was born in the same province as himself, April 7, 1833. They have ten children, as follows: Amelia, born February 15, 1855, married Bernhard Sackreiter, and lives on Sec. 22 ; George B., born August 24, 1856, married Bertha Pingel, and resides on Sec. 16; John H., born April 22, 1858; Frank, born March 14, 1860, now clerk in register's ofhce at Winona; Joseph, born January 29, 1862; married Dora Hunt, and is now living at

Winona ; Maggie, born January 10, 1864, married Bemhard M. Seeman, and dwells at Lewiston ; Edward, born December 20, 1866 ; Julia, born December 5, 186!) ; Catharine, born January 16, 1872 ; Walter II., born March 26, 1875.

Jonas B. Stkbbins, farmer, was born in Brookline, Windham county, Vermont, February 12, 1827. His father, Rufus Stebbins, was also born in Brookline. Jothan, father of Rutus, was born in Massachusetts, and enlisted under Benedict Arnold, and served through the revolutionary struggle. Clarissa Blandin, who married Rufus Stebbins, and became the mother of this subject, was a native of the same township as her husband. Jonas Stebbins was reared on a farm, his education being finished by two terms at an academy. 'When nineteen years old he took up carpenter work, which he followed till 1856. In the fall of 1855 he became a resident of Winona, and in April, 1857, -he bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 17, in Utica township, where his home has been since that time, and he became a tiller of the soil. He has a finely -improved farm, with buildings of his own construction. He made the doors and sash of his residence with his own hands. His domain now includes 210 acres. July 7, 1861, Mr. Stebbins became the husband of Mariali S. , widow of Albert D. Randall, of New York, who died in Louisiana in 1859, and daughter of J. B. Jayne. (Mrs. Stebbins' father was one of the early settlers of Utica, where he died. May 5, 1881. He was a republican, and served as town supervisor; was a Methodist for fifty years, and active in church work. He left a reputation for honesty and upright life that will outlive him many years. He was born in Sraithtown, Suffolk county, New York, December 8, 1804. and was therefore in his seventy-seventh year at death. January 15, 1829, he was married to Sarah Smith, a native of Connecticut. In July, 1856, Mr. Jayne became a resident of this town, buying land on Sec. 11, which he tilled until 1869, when he removed to St. Charles. After the death of his wife, which occurred October 22, 1876, he resided the remainder of his days with his daughter, Mrs. Stebbins. He was the father of eight children, two of whom are now living. One son died in the army in 1862. Austin, the only remaining son, has been a sailor all his life, oeing over twenty years master of a vessel. He resides in New York city.) Mrs. Stebbins was born in Smithtovvn, November 19, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins have been prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church ever since its organization here, the former being steward and class- leader all the time. He is a republican, and served as supervisor in 1878-9-80. Mrs. Stebbins is the mother of four children, the eldest - Eugene W. Randall, born January 1, 1859 - graduated Irom the Winona normal school in 1879, and is now editing a paper at Morris, Minnesota (married Dora Stone). Mr. Stebbins' children were born and christened as follows: Sidney J., August 7, 1862; lives in Rochester, Minnesota; Ida G., February 24, 1861:, is teaching in Morris; Webster J., December 3, 1869.

Richard Patterson, farmer, was born near Hull, in Yorkshire, England, December 11. 1821. He received the benefit of the English common schools till nine years old, and was then employed at farm labor. At twenty years of age he emigrated to America, and lived at Lansingburg, New York, three years. After a visit to England, he again dwelt in the United States three years. Again returning to England, he was married there on January 2, 1850, to Mary Wallis, who was born within a mile of his birthplace, September 17, 1826. Mr. Patterson immediately came with his bride to America and engaged in farming at Dresden, New York, for five years. After spending a year in Jackson county, Iowa, he came to Winona county, settling in Utica in 1856. He took up 160 acres of school land on Sec. 16, to which he afterward obtained a deed. Here he dwelt ten years, then sold the property and bought 161 acres on Sec. 11, in St. Charles, and still lives thereon ; he has also fifteen acres on Sec. 1, which he purchased for its timber. His farm is graced with excellent buildings, and his house is handsomely furnished. Mr. Patterson is a prosperous farmer, and a hospitable and genial man. He has been a republican since Lincoln's time. Five of his children grew to maturity, of whom four are now living. Here is their record : Amy C, born May 1, 1851, married K C. Dell, died December 18, 1880, and left one child, Mary R, born July 9, 1872, who lives with Mr. Patterson; Frederick W., born September 17, 1854, married Maria Vowles, and lives at Wentworth, Dakota Territory; Joseph W., born July 4, 1861 ; Annie E., born September 19, 1864 ; Emma L., born August 2, 1867.

William Small, farmer, was born March 17, 1844, in Tipperary, Ireland. At seven years of age he came with his parents to America, and was brought up on a farm in Green Lake county, Wisconsin. In 1858 he came to Minnesota, and resided some years in the town of Quiiicy, Olmsted county. On August 15,

1862, being then but eighteen years old, he enlisted in the United States service, serving just three years in Co, D, Ttli Minn. Inf. He was under Gen. Sibley in several skirmishes with the Indians on the western frontier, and subsequently joined tlie western army. He participated in the battles of Tupelo, Mississippi, Nashville, Tennessee, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakeley, and numerous minor engagements. At the close of the war he returned to this locality, and was married January 27, 1866, to Miss Sophia Talbot, of this township. He bought ninety-five acres of land on Sec. 15, in 1871, and has since tilled the same. He also rented a half of Sec. 14, belonging to S. T. Harris, on which he dwells. Mr. Small was reared under Roman Catholic teachings, and is a democrat. He has three living children, born as follows: Charles W., January 28, 1867 ; Minnie S., July 28, 1869 ; Lillie B., February 12, 1870.

Marquis "Waldo "Watson, farmer. John "Watson, father of "Waldo, was born in Coleraine, Massachusetts ; he married Lucy Webber, a native of Springfield, same state, and settled on a farm in Caledonia, Racine county, Wisconsin, where the subject of this sketcli was born, October 20, 1840. He attended the Racine city schools, and assisted his father in the tillage of the farm while out of school. In the fall of 1860 John Watson removed to Fremont, in this county, and bought a large farm on Sees. 9 and 16, where he died. May 27, 1882. Waldo Watson came with his father to Minnesota, and enlisted November 21, 1861 (a month after reaching his majority), in the 1st Minn, battery of liglit artillery, and served until July 3, 1865. He was an actor in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, second Corinth, Raymond, sieges of Vicksburg, Atlanta and Savannah, besides numerous smaller engagements and skirmishes, where Sherman's army went. Returning to Minnesota after the war, Mr. Watson has ever since dwelt here. He was married to Miss Sarah E. Schermerhorn, whose parentage is elsewhere given, November 23, 1867. They have been given two children, born as follows : Waldo E., October 20, 1868, and Nellie G., September 25, 1880. Mr. Watson coincides with the Methodist Episcopal church in religious faith, and with the republican i)arty in political principle. In the fall of 1875 he bought 228 acres of land on Sees. 34 and 35, St. Charles, where he has since resided, and is now an independent farmer. He had previously owned and lived on several farms in Fremont and Saratoga for periods of two to four years.

William Schermerhoen, farmer, was born in Schenectady, New York, August 6, 1824. His fatlier, Jacob Sclierraerhorn, was born in the same city; his mother, whose maiden name was Eleanor Tubbs, was born in Bethlehem, New York. Mr. Schermerhorn was reared on a farm, and has followed the tilling of ground nearly all his life. In 1849 he went into the grain business in Albany, where he continued six years. January 17, 1847, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wilson) Blair, natives of Massacliusetts and Vermont. She was born in Troy, New York, on Christmas day, 1826, and died October 13, 1877, leaving eight children, as follows : Sarah E., born June 22, 1847, married M. W. Watson, and lives on Sec. 35; William J., born December 7, 1849, and Jjolm S., born August 10, 1851, live together on a farm in Fremont township; Catharine J., born April 18, 1854, married Samuel West, and resides on Sec. 33; Perry E. ; George W., born May 11, 1859, died June 20, 1878; Henry D., died when six years old; Anna M., born November 11, 1863, died at eighteen; Lucy, born July 13, 1872, lives with her sister, Mrs. West. In October, 1855, Mr. Schermerhorn came to St. Charles, and took up 160 acres on Sec. 35, where his home has been till he removed to the city of St. Charles, in September, 1881. He was married July 5, 1879, to Laura, daughter of Josiah and Belinda Gordon, of Maine; she was born in Franklin, Maine, June 8, 1843. They have two children: Y. G., born April 2, J 880; and an infant son, yet unnamed, born August 21, 1882. Mr. Schermerhorn is a Methodist in belief, and his wife is a member of the Congregational church.

Perry Schermerhorn, son of the above, was born on the farm where he now lives (his father's). May 13, 1856. His life has all been passed here, his education being imparted in the district school where he lived. He was married November 1, 1878, to Henrietta, daughter of William Persons, whose history is elsewhere given. Since his marriage Mr. Schermerhorn has operated his father's farm. He has one child, Albert, born August 22, 1879. He is a Methodist and a democrat.

Jonathan F. Taylor (deceased) was a son of Josiah Taylor and Phoebe Butterfield, natives of New Hampshire. He was born in Hillsborough county. New Ham])shire, May 29, 1814. At twelve years of age he went with his parents to New York State, where his father died when he was btit sixteen, and the management of home affairs fell upon him. He remained at home till his marriage, which occurred July 2, 1840. Ilis wife, Betsey, who still survives him, was born June 5, 1814, in Kichford, Tioga county, New York ; her parents were Thomas O. Brown, born in Vermont, and Polly Burgit, of Massachusetts. After his marriage Mr. Taylor went on a farm in Broome county, New York, where he remained till his removal to Saratoga, in 1855. He arrived here in June and took up one-fourth of Sec. 11, on which he dwelt till he died, August 28, 1878 ; the estate at that time embraced 200 acres. Mr. Taylor enlisted in February, 1862, in Co. B, 9th Minn. Inf , and his first service was in the campaign against the Sioux Indians on the western frontier ;- he was in Fort Snelling when it was attacked by Indians, and narrowly escaped being shot. When the regiment went south he was rejected on account of poor health. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were members of the Congregational church ; he was a staunch republican. Besides his widow, six children mourn his loss. Two other children died before the father. Levi E., the eldest, was born May 29, 1841 ; he enlisted in the spring of 1864, was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro, and died at Andersonville on the 24th of the following September; Philena F., May 13, 1843, married M. I. Davis and resides at Columbus, Kansas ; Marion D. , April 5, 1845, married Maggie Clawson, lives on Sec. 14 ; Melville J., October 7, 1847, married Maggie Gordon, now living at Houston, this state ; Judson M., August 7, 1849, married Sarah J. Endersby, dwells at Curry, Minnesota; Daniel L., February 20, 1852, married Martha Matilda Donalson, and occupies the homestead ; Julia G., October 23, 1854, married F. W. Davis, with whom she resides in St. Louis, Missouri ; Zula B., Sejjtember 4, 1857, died before six years old. There are now nineteen of Mr. Taylor's grandchildren living. His demise was caused by heart disease. He ha^ performed a good day's labor in the harvest field, and dropped dead as he was going to feed his hogs.

Solomon Hiltz (deceased) was born in Herkimer, Herkimer county. New York, April 18, 1801. His grandfather, George Hiltz, served through the French and revolutionary wars, was captured by the IndiiHis during the former and' held a prisoner in Canada seven years, till released by treaty with the United States. John G., father of Solomon Hiltz, was born and reared in Herkimer. Jacob Folts, also of Ilerkimei-, married Catluu-ine Hayes of the same townsliip ; their daughter, Catharine, was born September 20, 1802, in Herkimer, and married Solomon Hiltz March 5, 1821. Mr. Hiltz went to St. Charles, Illinois, in the fall of 1849, and engaged m farming in that vicinity twenty-live years. He came to Saratoga m May, 1864, and bought forty acres on Sec. 13, which he tilled until his'death, which occurred March 31, 1882. He is survived by his wife, six sons and two daughters. Of the former one was a pioneer in the adjoining town of Fremont, where he now lives, and one resides here ; one is in Illinois and three in Dakota ; one daughter resides in Nebraska and one in Illinois. Mr. Hiltz was a member of the Congregational church and a democrat, as are most of his

David Hiltz, son of above, was born in Herkimer April 8, 1S36. He engaged in farming in Illinois, where he remained after the removal ot^his parents hither. In 1871 he came here and bought sixty -four acres of land adjoining his father's, and cared for his parents since that time. He was married December 23, 1882, to Maggie, daughter of George and Elizabeth Erlein, natives of Germany ; she was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, July 24, 1857.

James Kobinson, farmer, was born near Armagh, Ireland, Novvember 29, 1826. His parents, John and Margaret Robinson, brought him to America when he was but two years old, and settled in St. Lawrence county, New York. Here he attended the common school till fourteen years old, and since seventeen has cared for himself. His present large domain is a monument to his industry and faithfulness. He now has 400 acres of land where he lives (Sec. 25, Saratoga), one section near Odelbolt, Iowa, and a quartersection in Dakota. All of his home farm save forty acres of timbered land is finely improved. His buildings are models of completeness and comfort. When seventeen years old he went m the western part of Canada, four hundred miles from home, where he engaged in farm labor. He spent three winters in the Canadian pineries, and ran the St. Lawrence river with rafts. In 1848 he married Emma Bolus, who died within a year. On October 2, 1849, he was joined in wedlock to Elizabeth Braithwait, who was born' in Madrid, St. Lawrence county, New York, February 7, 1 883 . After living seven years on a farm which he owned in Lisbon, St. Lawrence county, he set out for the west, arriving in Saratoga October 12, 1856. He took up the S.W. i of Sec. 25, where his home is now, and at once began to make improvements. Mr. Robinson is a very early riser, and may still be found among his men doinff his share of the work in the fields. He arrived m this town with $1,200 and a team, and by economy and judicious use of liis means secured independence, and is a contented man. In 1859 lie nuiintained a school at his own expense in his shanty, and again in the parlor of his present residence in 1867-8. He is determined that his children and those of his neighbors shall have opportunities for an education. It was largely due to his efforts that a public school was established in the vicinity. A handsomely furnished schoolhouse, 36x26 feet in size, now stands within half a mile of his home, and a large proportion of the tax required to build it came from his pockets. Mr. Ilobinson is a democrat and a Methodist. He has nine living children, two having died. Their record is here given: Margaret A., November 30, 1852, at home; John, December 14, 1854, married Jennie Hunt, lives at Odelbolt, Iowa ; Robert S., June 15, 1856, married Hattie Whitney, lives near John; J. Duncan, December 17, 1858, married Isabella French, lives near John ; Eli and Emma, died at six and twelve years old ; Sidney H., December 11, 1865, with brothers in Iowa; George E., August 13, 1868; Charlotte E., September 17, 1870; Henry W., February 14, 1872 ; Pet, June 30, 1877.

Samuel W. Oviatt, farmer, is a son of Stephen Oviatt, born in Massachusetts, and -Prudence Davidson, born in Pennsylvania. His birth took place in Trumbull county, Ohio, October 26, 1819. His parents died before he attained his majority, and he remained on the homestead where he was born until his marriage. This event occurred A])ril 22, 1847. Miss Laura Salisbury, the bride, who is still his faithful helpmeet, was born in Medina county, Ohio, June 22, 1829; her parents were William and Laura Salisbury, of New York. Mr. Oviatt had removed to Medina county a short time before his marriage, and remained on a farm there fifteen years. In 1861 he became a resident of Minnesota, purchasing one-fourth each of Sees. 12 and 13, Saratoga, which he still retains, his residence being on Sec. 12. During the first winter after his arrival here, his log cabin with all its contents was destroyed by fire, and he had greater hardships to encounter than many of the earliest ])ioneers. At that time calico cost sixty cents per yard, and everything else was in like proportion. Mr.- Oviatt was refused a bolt of cotton cloth in exchange for a 1,300-pound ox. Through the kindness of neighbors they were sujjplied with sufficient bedding to make them comfortable, and lived for some time in the second story of a granary ; now have comfortable buildings and a pleasant home. Mr. Oviatt engages quite extensively in the growth of amber cane and its manufacture into syrup, making 2,500 gallons per year. He has been a member of the Baptist church forty-two years. He was justice of the peace in Saratoga one term. His political preferences are with the republican party. Five children of this family are now living, born as follows: Frank, December 22, 1851, now living at Huron, Dakota; Walter, July &, 1857, also at Huron ; Delana, January 6, 1862 ; Sidnev S.. January 22, 1865; Alice C, April 18, 1871; Stephen C, born October 6, 1849, died July 13, 1878, Laura, born January 2, 1855, die'd November 14, 1863.

Joseph Campbell, tarnier, is a son of John Campbell, born m Edinburgh, and Marian Roberton, born in Glasgow. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, November 11, 1833. At ten years of age he came with his parents to America, settling in Canada, where he was employed in assisting to open up a farm, and had very few educational'advantages. He came to Saratoga in 1856, arriving May 26, and at once located on the S.E. i of Sec. 23, of which he secured a deed from Uncle Sam, and on which his home still is. He has a large and handsome residence thereon, and numerous extensive barns and other farm buildings. His domain now embraces the S. i of Sec. 23, all but four acres of which is tillable. Mr. Campbell raises a great deal of stock, and therefore has need of his large barns. He "kept bach" in a log cabin for four years after his arrival, when his parents came and dwelt with him two years. They then moved to Fillmore county and left the poor bachelor alone again. At last becoming tired of single blessedness, he looked for a mate, which he found in Miss Cecelia Wood, to whom he was wedded September 11, 1871 ; her parents, George and Mary Wood, were natives of New York, and she was born in Cambridge, Washington county. New York, December 22, 1842. Mr. Campbell is a liberal in religion. He was once a democrat, but now classes himself with greenbackers. He came to Saratoga with $300. Twothirds of this went to pay for his claim. Perseverance and his own labor have made him independent.

Alexander Campbell, brother of above, was born m North Sherbrook, Lanark county, Ontario, in June, 1843. He has always been a farmer, and came with his parents to this state in 1860, with them he went to Fillmore county, and lived on a farm, which he bought in Arndale, for fifteen years. He was married October 18, 1867, to Mary Coulter, who was born in Glasgow, June 4, 1842.

They have eiglit children, born as here recorded : Elizabeth, February 6, 1867; John W., March 18, 1871; Christopher G., December 1J-, 1872; Joseph, August 29, 1876; James, September 1, 1878 ; Ada, September 11, 1880 ; Tliomasand Laura, twins, April 6, 1883. In 1875, Mr. Campbell sold his Fillmore county property, and purchased 244 acres on Sec. 14, Saratoga, where he is surrounded by everything to make the life of a farmer enjoyable. He is a Presbyterian and a greenbacker ; has been clerk of his school district for seven years, and was elected town supervisor in 1882-3. Charles Anson Morey was born in Vershire, Orafige county, Vermont, August 9, 1851. His father, Koyal Morey, and his mother, Jennette Ellen Felton, both came of numerous and long-lived New England families of Scotch descent. The subject of this sketch is their first child and only living son. In the spring of 1861 the family left the old homestead in Vershire and came to Illinois. In October, however, of the same year they came by covered wagon to the town of Chester, Wabasha county, Minnesota, where a farm was purchased and improvements begun. At the end of three years, during which time the children had attended school at the log schoolhouse, the farm was sold and the family moved to Lake City, in the same county, where they still reside; Charles attended the winter terms of the village school and worked upon a farm, or as a joiner or millwright when opportunity offered, until 1870, when he was engaged to teach the school at Gopher Prairie, near Lake City. So successful was he in this new field of operations, that the next year, in company with several young men from that vicinity, he came tc* Winona and entered the State Normal School to prepare himself more thoi-ouglily for that work. He graduated I'.l the head of his class, May 22, 1872, and was at once selected by the authorities of the school, and instructed to proceed with his preparations to take charge of the new department of natural sciences about to be established in the school. Accordingly, in September of that year, he entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Boston, as a special student in the scientific departments. In the Jiext two years he passed through the entire laboratory course of that advanced and practical institution. During the latter part of the last 3^ear he worked in company with Prof. A. Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. At the close of the year he read a paper before the Society of Arts and Sciences of the institute, describing and illustrating his improvements upon the ph on autograph, an important acoustical instrument. The paper was published m the -American Journal of Science," and the improvements upon the familiar piece of apparatus have been generally adopted. He was, in the spring of 1874, elected professor of natural science m the State Normal Scliool, at Winona, and at once entered upon his duties. Under his direction laboratories were established, and the Hew experimental method of teaching the sciences put in lull operation. A large amount of valuable apparatus was made on the spot by hiraselt and by pupils under his direction. Upon the resignation of Prot William F. Phelps, in 1876, Mr. Morey was appointed principal of the school Under his administration the institution took many decided steps in advance. The course of study was rearranged upon the basis of a year instead of a term. The advanced course and the professional course for graduates of colleges and high schools were established. By his economical management of the affairs of the school, the authorities were enabled to supply the funds necessary to fit up and furnish the extensive museum and art gallery of the institution, which was done under his direction. He had, however, since a boy, determined to eventually make the law his profession, and had employed his leisure accordingly. In 1879 he resigned the principalship, was admitted to the bar and immediately entered upon the practice of the law at Winona, as a member of the firm of Berry & Morey. He was married November 28, 1877, to Kate Louise Berry, daughter of Gen. C. H. Berry. They have two children, Janette, five years of age, and Charles Berry, three years old Mr Morey is a republican, and an active participant m campaign work. lie is a member of the school board, a director of the Merchants' Bank, of the board of trade, and is secretary of the Winona Building and Loan Association. In any movement to advance the interests of the city of Winona, he is always ready to ]Oin

Allen G. Wilmot, of New York, was one of the pioneer settlers of Winona county, having located on government land m the northeastern part of St. Charles township in 1856. After six years residence thereon, he removed to Sec. 36, of the same town, where he remained till the fall of 1881, and then removed to Iowa. His wife's name before marriage was Sarah Remore.

Edwik D Wilmot. son of above, was born in Rome, New York, May 23, 1844, and was not yet twelve years old on becoming a resident of Minnesota. All his life has since been passed here, his education being completed in the Winona grammar school. lie enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. D, 7tli Minn. Vols., and served three years. The first year of liis army life was s})ent under Gen. Sibley, on the western frontier, where he participated in a few skirmishes with the Indians. His regiment was then placed with the arrriy ol the Tennessee, and he passed through the battles of Tupelo, Nashville, and the forts above Mobile. In 186(5 he bought a farm on Sec. 3, Saratoga, on which he lived four years. He then sold and bought 160 acres on Sec, 12, where he dwells now. His buildings are comfortable and on a superb location, commanding a view of the beautiful prairies for miles around. He was married on Marcli 1, 1868, to Idella, daughter of John and Lucy (Webber) Watson, of Fremont township. They have four children, born as follows : Minnie A., February 1, 1869; Alfred W., July 24, 1870 ; Da'-,y, February 6, 1873 ; Pearl, May 25, 1880. Mr. Wilmot is a republican, and member of St. Charles Lodge I.O.O.F.

John D. Clyde (deceased) was born in Lyme, New Hampshire, January 2, 1828. His father, John Clyde, was a farmer of Scotch descent, and his mother was Esther Hovey. Mr. Clyde was accustomed to farming all his life. From twenty years old to twenty-six years he worked for one farmer in New Hampshire, - Major Franklin, He went to St. Charles, Illinois, in 1854, and kept a sale stable. He came to Fremont in 1856, arriving April 20, and secured a quarter of Sec. 30. This he sold in a few years and bought the present home of his family, the^S.W, ^ of Sec, 18, on which he dwelt till his death, which took place May 28, 1883, He also owned eighty acres on Sec. 7, which is still a part of the estate. Pie was married December 1, 1862, to Sarah A,, daughter of Charles and Caroline (Robinson) Henderschott ; she was born in Hornellsville, New York, April 20, 1844, Besides his widow, six children mourn his departure. Their names and births are thus recorded ; John, September 1, 1863 ; Louisa, June 29, 1867 ; Kittie M., June 22, 1869; Emogene, May 25, 1872; Annabel, April 10, 1876; Gertie, July 7, 1879, Mr, Clyde was buried with masonic honors, being a member of Harmony Lodge, of Lewiston, His religion was the golden rule. In politics he was a republican, and he had served his town as chairman of its board of supervisors.

JoiiN Blair (deceased) was reared to sixteen years of age in Ware, Massachusetts, where he was born May 26, 1799, At sixteen he went with his parents to Troy, New York. He married Betsey

Wiltse, of Hoosac, New York, and in early life was a farmer in the vicinity of Troy. Was several years in mercantile business in Troy and Albany, and also dealt in produce for the New York market. In the spring of 1865 he set out for the west, and arrived at Saratoga April 9. Here he took up a quarter-section of Uncle Sam's domain on Sec. 2, and dwelt thereon till the fall of 18Y3. He died in the city of Albany two years later. Mr. Blair was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a democrat ; he served as justice of the peace in Saratoga two years. He had four sons and five daughters; of the latter, but one is now living, - Mrs. Dr. C. H. Smith, of Albany ; of the former, two now reside in this town and one is in California.

John T. Blair, son of above, was born in Pownal, the southwest corner township of Vermont, November 21, 1827. His youth was passed on the farm and in the city of Albany, in the schools of which city his education was finished. At fifteen years of age he went into a store and followed mercantile life till 1855, keeping a store at one time in Albany ; was member of a fire company there seven years, being foreman. He was married, February 24, 1850, to Miss Eveline Clark, who was born near Schenectady, New York, September 15, 1826 ; her parents, William P. Clark and Catharine Truax, were also natives of that state. Mr Blair came to Saratoga in company with* his father, and located on Sec. 1, where his residence has been ever since. Besides his original claim he has since secured ninety-six acres, a part of which is in St. Charles township. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, A. F. and A. M., at Lewiston, and of the St. Charles Methodist Episcopal church ; votes with the republican party. He has been a member of the town board six times, part of the time chairman ; was treasurer two years and justice of the peace four years. Is the oldest commissioned postmaster in the state, having been appointed in charge of Worth postoffice in 1856, and held the office ever since. The wall of Mr. Blair's parlor is adorned with a painting representing the log cabin in which he lived and kept the postoffice in 1856. It was two stories high, and covered with butternut shingles shaved by Mr. Blair. In 1855, while finishing this dwelling, Mr. Blair went to Winona to buy lumber, and purchased all there was in the city - 348 feet. In May, 1855, Mr. Blair was followed half a mile by four timber wolves, and would doubtless have been devoured had he attempted to escape by running. By retaining his leisurely gait and calm demeanor, he kept them at bay till he reached home, lliis was in daytime. Four children remain in this family, two having died in New York. All are at home and date their births as below : John M., August 3, 1856; Frank C, September 5, 1858; Edward E., June 23, 1860 ; Mabel, January 22, 1864.

Leonard M. Shelton, farmer, was born in Raymond, Racine county, Wisconsin, March 17, 1843, and was therefore but eleven years old when (as elsewhere related) he came with his widowed mother to Minnesota. Most of his schooling was received in Wisconsin. He dwelt with his mother many years on the farm where his home now is (Sec. 1, Saratoga), and where still stands the picturesque log cabin which was their home, and a shelter for hundreds of travelers during the years 1855-6-7. This hotel was a pretentious structure, for this section, when built. An upright, 18x26, two stories high, was built in the fall of 1855, and the following spring a " lean-to" of boards was added; it ran the whole length of the main structure, and was sixteen feet wide. In after years another wing was added on the opposite side, for a summer kitchen. A large grape-vine ran over one end of the house and reached out to a tree near by, thus forming a pleasant arbor, where Mr. Shelton has pleasantly passed many an hour during the heat of summer. This farm is now owned by Mr. Shelton's uncle, and occupied by the former as a tenant. He possesses a farm of 120 acres on Sec. 3, which he bought in 1873, and on which he resided for six j^ears thereafter. At tlie earnest solicitation of the owner he took charge of the farm where he is. The raising of hogs and pure Durham cattle is largely carried on here. Mr. Shelton also raises a great many horses on his own account. December 18, 1866, L. M. Shelton and Mary L. Bradt were united in holy matrimony. Mrs. Shelton was born in Albany, New York, February 2, 1846. They have been blessed with three bright and promising children, as below : Mary L., October 7, 1868; Minnie L., July 27, 1871; Lillian M., April 9, 1878. Mr. Shelton enlisted August 20, 1864, in Co. H, 11th Minn, reg., and served till the close of the war, being occupied in guard duty along a railway near Nashville, Tennessee. He " votes as he fought," under the banner of republicanism. In religious sympathy he is with the close-communion Baptists.

faithfulness. He was born in London, England, June 11, 1829, and came with his parents to America when six years old, receiving his education in the common schools of Racine county, Wisconsin. In the fall of 1854 he came with his widowed mother (elsewhere mentioned) to Winona county, and in the tollowing spring took up 160 acres of government land on Sec. 6, Fremont, where he has ever since dwelt. He has a large and handsome residence, which is elegantly furnished, complete farm buildings, etc. His domain now embraces 300 acres of land, of which 250 have been broken up. Mr. Shelton attends to the details of his business as usual, and is himself found every day at work. He is now quite largely engaged in raising hogs and other stock. He is a free-will Baptist and a republican; has never mixed in public concerns, bnt given his whole attention to his large private interests. March 8, 1868, he was joined in holy wedlock to a daughter of Jesse Ingersoll, one of the pioneers of Raymond, Racine county, Wisconsin, and the widow of H. M. Bentley. She was born January 9, 1840, near Castleton, Ontario, and christened Julia. They have been given three children, as follows: William H., October 24, 1864; Ida M., February 7, 1869; Delia M., June 13, 1873.

Mrs. Louisa Shelton, widow of William Shelton, was one of the pioneers of this region, having taken up a claim on Sec. 31, Utica, in the fall of 1854, and now resides there with her daughter, Mrs. A. D. Trowbridge. Mrs. Shelton kept a hotel in a log building on the corner of Sec. 1, Saratoga, for some years in the period of early settlement. This was on the stage route traversed by the early pioneers, and was widely known as the " Widow Shelton House." Mrs. Shelton was born in Elliott, England, in 1806, and married William Shelton, in London. They came to America in 1834, and after a residence of over a year in Buffalo, New York, settled on a farm in Racine county, Wisconsin. Mr. Shelton's death took place here in January, 1845, and in 1854 his widow moved west, where land was plenty for her sons. There were three of the latter, two of whom reside near by, one in Fremont and one in Saratoga, on the land where his mother kept hotel ; Stephen, the third son, is now at Flandreau, Dakota. There were two daughters, the one mentioned above, and the wife of Lewis Downing, residing in Saratoga township.

years of age, on a farm in Courtland count3^ His father, James Trowbridge, came of a very long-lived family ; he married Hannah Van Cant, mother of the subject of tliis sketcli, who was, like himself, a native of New York. When Alexander was twelve years old his parents removed to Oberlin, Ohio, from which point he came to Winona county at the age of twenty-one. He arrived in Saratoga in August, 1855. After spending a night with friends who had preceded him hither, he was on the ground where he located at six o'clock next morning, and by four in the afternoon had a shantj'^ erected. By daylight next morning he was in Chatfield and filed his claim to the land. The location was on Sec. 22, and here he resided ten years. On April 10, 1860, he was married to Sarah E. Shelton, who was born in London, England, February 18, 1834 ; she was a daughter of Mrs. Louisa Shelton, a widow lady who was one of the pioneers of the vicinity and spoken of elsewhere. In 1867 Mr. Trowbridge removed to Missouri, where he engaged in farming. After nearly four years' residence there, he was compelled to give Uj5 on account of loss of health, and spent about four years under treatment in Ohio. He took up his residence where he now is, on Sec. 31, Utica, in 1881. Mr. Trowbridge is an orthodox in religion, and a republican in politics. He was the second town clerk elected in Saratoga, serving three successive years.

Fkank a. West, grain buyer, came to Minnesota when ten years old with his parents, who died before he was fourteen years old, since which time he has cared for himself. Elijah West and Amy Lewis, parents of Frank West, were natives of New York State. They were residents of Fulton, Indiana, on August 31, 1843, at which time and ])lace the subject of this sketch was born. He attended school but three terms after he was eleven years old. After the death of his parents he resided two years with an elder brother in Illinois, and came with him to Rochester, this state. On June 26, 1861, he enlisted at Chatfield in Co. A, 2d Minn, reg., and served as a soldier till June 26, 1865. After nearly two years' service in the ranks he was transferred to the signal corps, in which he was promoted for bravery during the battle of Altoona Gap ; by his daring, when all others of the corps gave up in terror, communication was kept up with the commanding officer of Kenesaw Mountain. The principal battles in which Mr. West was an actor were those of Chickamauga, Mill Spring, Resaca, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain and the Chattahoochie river. He was in numerous smaller engagements, his diary showing a total of over thirty fights and skirmishes. After the war he rented land in Olmsted and Fillmore counties, and followed farming. In 1876 he went to Melrose, Minnesota, where he bought grain for the Minneapolis Millers' Association three years. He then spent nearly three years in the Black Hills, and was one of the organizers and vice-president of the Garden City Hydraulic Mining Company. He sold his interest in this concern, but still holds shares in some of the mines there. In 1882 he became a resident of Utica, where he is engaged in buying grain for C. W. Seafield. He is a skillful business man, and does not let past reverses interfere with his attention to business. He is a liberal in religion, and "votes as he fought," with the republicans. Mr. West was married March 27, 1870, to Miss E. M. Miller, who was born near Saratoga, New York, April 16, 1854, They have two children, given them as follows : John, July 23, 1873 ; Ettie, August 22, 1878.

George Evans, merchant, was born in Herefordshire, England, September 17, 1842. His father died when he -was an infant, and Jiis mother brought him to America when six years old. Since ten years of age he has cared for himself, working in his earlier years at farm work during the summer and attending school in winter. He resided in the State of New York until fourteen years old, when he came west and dwelt in Wisconsin and Illinois. In 1864 he became a resident of Minnesota, locating at Centerville, this county. He subsequently dwelt at Northfield two years, and was for a period at St. Anthony and Duluth. For five years he peddled dry goods and notions with a wagon, making his home at Centerville. In May, 1876, Mr. Evans became a resident of Utica, opening a general store here ; his is the most complete store in the village. In 1878 he bought his present residence south of the schoolhouse, and intends to make this his home. His mercantile business covers $10,000 per year, and he last year did a business of twice that amount in buying hogs for market. Mr. Evans is a member of the Rochester lodge, I.O.O.F., and of the Congregational church : is a republican in national principle. He was married to Lucinda Hand, a native of the State of New York, on November 2, 1878. They have one child, Gerti-ude L., born November 30, 1880.

Joshua Martin, dentist. The great-grandfather of this snbject, John Martin, was a captain in the Continental army during the revolution. He was twice ca])tured and taken to England, and died there during the second period of his imprisonment. Himself and brothers wei-e pioneers in the settlement oi the new colony of New Hampshire ; the latter served as a captain through the French and Indian war. Samuel, a son of John Martin, lived and died in New Hampshire ; his son Joshua was the father of the subject of this sketch ; he married Azubah Burnham, also reared in that state, and engaged in farming in Grafton and afterward in Hillsborougli count3^ Joshua Martin was born in Canaan, Grafton county, April 4, 1829. His education was completed at Pembroke and Andover academies. At twenty years of age he began the study of dentistry under the auspices of an association formed at Manchester for giving practical instruction in this line. Here he began the practice of his profession and continued there two years. He was married at Plattsburg, New York, on July 6, 1852, to Elvira M. Coombs; her father, John Coombs, ran away from his birthplace, Charlestown, New Hampshire, at fifteen, and served through the war of 1812 as private secretary to Gen. Scott ; her mother was Florinda Miles, of the same town. In 1856 Mr. Martin came to St. Charles ; he took up a quartei'-section of government land in Dover township, near the city, on which he dwelt and made improvements, [.racticing his profession as opportunity offered. He was one of the organizers of Dover township, and served there six years as justice of the peace. Mr. Martin is a lifelong democrat ; he has filled numerous public positions. He is now serving his third term as assessor of the city of St. Charles. While in New Hampshire his services were called in requisition as town superintendent of schools. He is a member of Rising Sun Lodge, A. F. and A.M., St. Charles; both himself and wife are members of the Episcopal church here. In 1865 Mr. Martin purchased his present residence on Wabasha street, and removed thither from tlie farm, whicli lie has since disposed of. He now occupies an office on A¥hitewater street and devotes liis time to dentistry. Nine children have been born to him, as follows: Kacliel W., June 4, 1S53, married Elias Franklin (now deceased) and resides at Wheatland, Dakota; Lucia L., October 3, 1854, married Adelbert W. Wheeler, with whom she dwells at Stockton, Minnesota ; Isabella S., April 24, 1858, married Z. J. Wood, and now lives at Redfield, Dakota ; Albert Maitland, June 27, 1860, resides at Redfield ; Edgar L., February 14, 1862, Redfield ; Josephine G., April 7, 1866; AVillard L. and Walter L., twins, March 8, 1871; Mary L., June 14, 1873.

Richard L. Dawlf.y, railroad repairer, son of Elijah Dawley and Esther Baldwin Dawley, of New York birth, was born in Galen, Wayne county, March 26, 1826. life lived on a farm and attended a common school until eighteen years old, residing with an uncle, his parents having died before he was two years old. At nineteen he came to what was then the west, and learned cabinetmaking in Milwaukee. August 13, 1846, he enlisted in the regular army of the United States, and served five years, going through the Mexican war under Gen. Scott. On his discharge at Fort Ripley in 1851, he went to Plymouth, Wisconsin, and worked at his trade. In 1856 he became a resident of Winona, where he engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills, in partnership with another party. The business was removed to St. Charles three years later, and kept up till 1862. In January of the latter year Mr. Dawley enlisted in the 2d Minn. Lt. Art., in which he served till April, 1864, holding the rank of first lieutenant when he resigned. He was an actor in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and numerous skirmishes and light engagements. His business and family affairs requiring his presence at home, he was compelled to resign. He engaged in farming, his land lying partly within the limits of this city, and followed that occupation till 1873, ever since which time he has been in the employ of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company. Mr. Dawley was at one time director of the city school board, and to him is due a large share of the credit for the establishment of the present graded system of their government and conduct. He was again chosen member of the same board in 1882, foi- the term of three years. He was chairman of the town board in ISOo and city councilor in 1881. His political principles are democratic. In religion lie is orthodox. In 1861 he organized a militia company here, and has ever since been known by the title ot captain. Most of this company afterward entered the United States service. Mr. Dawley is a member of Rising Sun Lodge, A. F. and' A. M., of St. Charles. In November, 1853, he was married to Mary J. Avril, who was born in Bellville, Canada, May 1, 1835. She was a daughter oi Henry Avril, of New York. Mrs. Dawley was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at her death, which occurred April 4, 1874. Seven children survive her, as follows: William H., born August -1, 1854, now in Fargo, Dakota; Charles L., February 28, 1856, lives at De Smet, Dakota: Ida, April 18, 1858; Emma, November 26, 1859; Hiram A., August 20, 1865; Richard Starr, September 9, 1867; Frank M., March 30, 1872.

Vinson Hicks (deceased) was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, New York, May 16, 1821. John and Sallie Hicks, his parents, were natives of Vermont. His early years were jiassed on a farm, and he early learned the millwright's trade, which he nearly always followed. He was married at Westport, New York, September 24, 1847, to Olive E., daughter of Adin B. and Anna B. Towner, of Connecticut; she was born in Ferrisburg, Vermont, January 29, 1823. In 1856 Mr. Hicks became a resident of Winona county, settling at Stockton. The following year he bought 120 acres of land on Sec. 31, St. Charles, where he resided till his death. He continued to work at his trade, leaving the labor of the farm partly to his sons. His latter years were passed in lighter occupations, owing to poor health. While visiting Beaver to sell machinery, he died there very suddenly of neuralgia of the stomach, on June 19, 1873. Mr. Hicks joined the order of A. F. and A. M., in New York, and was a charter member of Troy Lodge, organized in 1863 ; at the time of his death he was a member of Rising Sun Lodge, of St. Charles. His religious faith was represented by the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political ideas by the democratic party. Besides his widow, four children survive him, whose record is as follows: Darwin T., born May 16, 1851, resides St. Charles; Arthur V., August 13, 1855, tills home farm; Emma L., November 6, 1857, a teacher, now in Minneapolis; Marietta S., October 20, 1859, married Lester L. Babcock, dwells on Sec. 30.

Richard N. Miller, merchant, is of Irish and English descent. Both his parents were born in Vermont. His mother, Doborah, was the second wife of Richard Miller, his father. Since Mr.

Miller's residence here, his mother took up her abode with him, and died here. R. N. Miller was born in the town of Minerva, Essex county, New York, December 4, 183(i. lie was reared on a tiirm, and received a common scliool education. He was married September 2, 1860, to Eliza L., daughter of Valentine and Huldah Kellogg, pioneers of Eh'zabeth, Essex county. For some time after his marriage Mr. Miller engaged in farming. In March, 1869, he became a resident of the city of St. Oharles, and for seven years kept books for N. N. Pike. He bought a lot at the south end of Whitewater street, on which he built a residence. During the latter part of his service with Mr. Pike, he began to turn some attention to the sale of organs, and soon began to make the sale of musical instruments and sewing machines. A year was spent in Winona and another at Utica. In 1879 he opened a store for the sale of these goods on South AVhitewater street, where he may now be found doing a successful business. Mr. Miller is a republican, and a member of the orders of K. of H. and Knights and Ladies of Honor. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist church, of St. Charles. Mr. Miller served a year in conquering the rebellious enemies of his countr3\ having enlisted in August, 1864, in the 16th batt. N. Y. Heavy Art. He was soon detailed as a clerk in the quartermaster's department, and therefore saw no field service. He is the father of five children, four of whom are at home. Here is the record of their births ; Richard T. , at Pottersville, New York, May 16, 1862, now a resident of St. Paul ; Mary G., February 15, 1864; Louisa Gr., September 10, 1866; Arthur C, at Utica, September 21, 1878; William Eugene, December 27, 1880. Mrs. Miller's mother came west with her daughter, and died here. Mrs. Miller's sister, Miss Mary Kellogg, is now a member of the family.

Collins Rice, farmer, is descended from Irish and English ancestors who settled in Connecticut. His grandfather located in Claremont, New Hampshire, where Stephen, father of the subject of this sketch, was born. Stephen Rice married Mary Barron, of Amherst, New Hampshire, and engaged in farming in Claremont, where Collins Rice was born, March 16, 1814. Our subject was reared on a farm and attended the common school till eighteen years old. By pro])er diligence tlien and since, he acquired a good fund of information, and was fitted to take the leading position he has since filled in the development of a new state. At eighteen

Mr. Rice was apprenticed to a hatter at Springfield, Vermont. At his majority, liaving become master of his chosen trade, he was employed as a journeyman in Lowell, and afterward at Boston. In 1835 he went to Cincinnati, and two years later returned to Springfield. He was married here September 11, 1837, to Lucetta L. Griswold, who was born in Johnson, Franklin county, Vermont, February 12, 1816 ; John Griswold, her father, was a native of Connecticut, and Hannah Heath, his wife^ was born in New Hampshire. Alter Mr. Rice's marriage he resided four years in Lamoille county, Vermont. Subsequent to this he spent three years in Cincinnati and seven years in Lidiana, in the hatting business. In the fall of 1854 he visited Minnesota and claimed 160 acres of government land (the S.W. ^ of Sec. 24) south of the present site of Lewiston, and built a sod house thereon. May 1, 1855, he settled on this claim with his family, and lives there still, with his children comfortably settled around him. He subsequently bought the southeast quarter of the same section, which lie divided equally between two of his sons ; besides the original claim, he also has fort}- acres of timber in Warren township and 100 acres of land in Faribault county. Mr. Rice was a very useful man in tlie early years of this townshi]), and in fact until he insisted on- retiring from active life. He was chairman of the town board during the first half-dozen years of its existence, and served as town clerk for the same length of time ; he was justice of the peace from 1858 to 1872, and has probably written more deeds and mortgages than any one man in the county outside of Winona ; he was county commissioner from 1870 to 1873 ; was elected a member of the legislature in 1858, but did not serve, as the governor failed to call a session ; was elected to the same position in 1873 and again in 1874, and served the two terms with credit to himself, the district and the state. Mr. Rice- is a staunch republican, and has been a delegate to nearly every county convention of that party ; was a member of the state convention in 1873. He was a member of tlie Patrons of Husbandry while the grange at Lewiston existed, and was master of that organization. In religion he is a Universalist, and Mrs. Rice also. They have five children living, having lost two. Mary E., born April 23, 1839, married William Z. Clayton, died May io, 1864; Abby A., February 21, 1842, married C. H. Ramer, lives at Tower City ; Stephen H., October 21, 1845, died September 22, 1869 ; John W., December 21, 1847, married Hannah Lysauka, is postmaster at

Lewiston, where he keei)S a e^eneral store; George W., April 25, 1851, married Ainanchi Lund, resides on Sec. 2-t ; Charleg C, November 0. 1855, married Minnie (Irethurst, lives on Sec. 24 ; James M., May 10, 1858, clerk in postoffice at Lewiston.

Christian Kramku (deceased) was horn in Brandeid3urg, Germany, in 1709. Lie married Christina Koeppen, and had five sons, two of whom reside in Utica, one at Trempealeau, Wisconsin, one at Dodge Center and the other near Mankato, Minnesota. In 1850 Mr. ivrainer emigrated direct to this township, and bouglit 280 acres of hand on Sees. 1 and 2. He gave forty acres to each of his sons, leaving eighty acres in his own homestead. He died on December 26, 1807, and Mrs. Kramer died in December, 1881.

William Kramer, son of above, was born in Brandenburg, September 13, 1832, and was therefore nearly twenty-four years old when he came to America with his parents. On July 24, 1800, lie married Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Schartan, a deceased pioneer of this town, elsewhere mentioned in this work. After buying a share in his father's homestead he sold the whole of his land and bought the Schartan homestead of 100 acres, on Sec. 11, in 1882, and dwells thereon. He is a Lutheran and a republican ; has served as school directoi-. Eight children have been born to him, as here given : Mary A., March 12, 1862, married Frank Miller, now living near Bigstone City; Frank, June 12, 1863; Otto, July 22, 1868; Elmer, March 13, 1871 ; Elizabeth, April 25, 1874; Molly, June 22, 1876; Susannah, March 30, 1879; Huldah A., June 27, 1881.

Abraham M. Ramer, merchant, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, July 30, 1851. When in his fourth year, his parents removed to this township, where most of his life has since been spent. Philip Ramei-, father of this subject, was one of the pioneers of this county. He was born in Ohio in April, 1814, was a son of Reter and Sarah (Cook) Ramer, of North Carolina. He married Ruth Thackeray, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Tluxckeray, Quakers, of New York. In A]3ril, 1855, Mr. Ramer took up his residence in LTtica townshi]), taking one-fourth of Sec. 13 under the pre-emption law, and buying the claim to aiK)ther quarter-section adjoining. He was at that time a member of the society of Dunkards, for whom he preached. The first religious service in the town was conducted by him. Subsecpient to 1860 both himself and wife left the Dunkards and joined the Second Advent believers, and Mr. Ramer was for several years pastor of a church of that denomination in Winona. He was many years assessor of the town of Utica, and was once elected to the legislature. In 1865 lie sold his property here and removed to Winona. Here he lost his capital of $17,000 in an unsuccessful attempt with other parties to manufacture gang plows. He is now a resident of Flandreau, Dakota, where he is engaged in farming. Mrs. Ramer died in December, 1872. Abraham Earner received his education in the public schools of Lewiston and Winona. At eighteen he began mercantile life as clerk in H store in Winona, where he remained some yeai's. After six months spent in Dubuque, he took charge of a store in Chicago one year. Eeturning to Lewiston, he was clerk for three years in the general store of J. W. Eice. On November 1, 1881, he opened a new general store on the main street of Lewiston, buying the building at the same time. His capital was very small, but by close attention to business he has built up a good patronage. His residence, which he built, is one of the best in the village. Mr. Earner was married May 9, 1874, to Augusta Lasansky, who was born in Germany in 1853. They have two children, who were born as below : Gertrude E., February 16, 1875 ; George H., June 18, 1878. Mr. Eamer's religious views are most nearly re])resented by the Adventists. He is a republican, and has served as justice of the peace three years.

Joseph D. Ball, farmer, was born in the town of Illinois, Chautauqua county, New York, November 14, 1843. His father was James Ball, a native of New York, and his mother, Julia A. Medbury, was born in Connecticut. Mr. Ball was reared on a farm, and attended the common schools. His natural shrewdness and ability have placed him among the foremost farmers of his community. On April 21, 1861, just seven days after the firing on Fort Sumter, he enrolled his name among his country's defenders. The first enlistment was for ninety days, in McLean's Erie regiment ; at the expiration of this time he re-enlisted for the war, and was assigned to Co. G, 150th Pa. reg., and served until June 29, 1865. He was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg; also participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness campaign, and numerous smaller engagements, of which the history of the army of the Potomac tells. In 1866 Mr. Ball became a resident of Saratoga, buying 160 acres of land on Sec. 23, on which he dwelt ten years* In 1876 he sold this and bought 400 acres, including the quarter of Sec. 9 where he lives. This is the original claim of Charles

Gerrisli, taken in 1855, and from whom he purchased it. Mr. Ball raises considerable stock, largely Percheron hoi'ses. He 'is a republican, and served as supervisor of Saratoga in 1880-1-2. He came here with the savings of an army life - about $300, - and has secured his present large property by his own industry and ability, assisted, of course, by his estimable wife. This lady was Miss Augusta F. Smith, born in Leon, Cattaraugus county. New York, July 21, 1849. She is a daughter of Thomas and eFulia A. (Scott) Smith, also natives of New York, and was united in marriage with Mr. Ball on Christmas day, 1867. They have three children, born as below noted : Monroe J., December 28, 1868; Nellie, October 11, 1871; Dwight, January 13, 1878.

Alvano B. Dyer, farmer. Joseph Dyer, great-grandfather of this subject, was a sea-captain, who emigrated from England to Massachusetts before the revolution, and was married May 2, 1771, to Elizabeth Nickols, oi Maiden. This lady prepared the blacking which stained, the faces of the famous "Boston Tea Party," in December, 1773, and her husband was one of the party who threw the tea overboard. He died at the age of thirty-five years. His son, John M., was also married in Maiden, and settled in Freeman, Franklin county, Maine, in 1802. His grandson, Azor, now resides on the same farm which he cleared up in the then district of Maine, a part of Massachusetts. Azor Dyer, father of the last-named, and of the subject of this sketch, was born on this farm October 20, 1S12, and was married in 1836 to Mary Davis, a native of Cape Cod. A. B. Dyer was born to them December 17, 1839, on the old homestead in Freeman. His youth was spent here, his education being finished at a select school in Phillips. His parents were Methodists, and his sympathies are with that faith. He is a republican, and has been su[)ervisor of Saratoga two years. He became a resident of the township in the spring of 1865, and in June of that year purchased the quarter of Sec. 9, on which he resides. By proper management and close attention to business he has added to his possessions till they now include 356 acres of prairie and seventy of timber in this vicinity, and eighty acres of land in Redwood county. Mr. Dyeiwas married November 18, 1869, to Adah, daughter of Charles Gerrish, a pioneer of Saratoga, whose biography is elsewhere given in this work. Five children are included in this family, given to it ;is here noted : Charles A., November 20, 1870; M. Davis, Septem-

Additional Matter

Charles ABBO'rr, farmer, is a son of Quartras B. Abbott, a native of New York, a soldier in the Blackhawk war; his wife, Mary Atkinson, was also a native of New York. Charles Abbott was born in Fort Winnebago, Wisconsin, February 18, 1836. His father was subsequently a ship carpenter, serving on the Mississippi steamers, and he came with him to St. Paul, in 1850 ; his summers were afterward spent in Minnesota, and his winter life was passed on a farm in Illinois. He was married in January, 1859, to Melissa Fleming, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Fleming, of Ohio. In the spring of the latter year he removed to Saratoga village, where he resided four years. Here he began work at the mason's trade, which has occupied his time more or less since. He owns a piece of land in Mower county, which he purchased on his first arrival here. In 1863 he took up his present residence on Sec. 10, on land belonging to Mrs. Abbott. In August, 1862, Mr. Abbott responded to the call for troops to defend settlers against the belligerent Indians, enlisting in Co. K, 9th Minn. Inf., and served on the frontier until discharged on account of illness in July, 1863. He is a Baptist in religious faith, and a republican in politics ; has been three years constable of his township. He has two children, having lost one by death. Their births are given thus : Nellie, March 22, 1864, married Burton Wood, home at present with parents; Clarence, April 11, 1876.

George L. Wheelock, farmer, is a son of Humphrey Wheelock and Sophia Le Seur Wheelock, of Massachusetts birth. The father, Humphrey, was a soldier in the revolutionary war. George Wheelock was born in Barnard, Windsor county, Vermont, February 22, 1834. At eighteen he left home, and spent five years in and near the city of Boston, being employed in Faneuil Hall market part of the time, and as a teamster. He was married March 11, 1857, to Mary J., daughter of Orrin and Hatherowe (Chamberlain) Cox, of Vermont ; she was born in Barnard, October 10, 1839. In September of the same year, he became a resident of Winona county, taking up school land on Sec. 16, Saratoga, where his home was .till 1865. Mr. Wheelock was one of those who volunteered to defend the white settlers from Indian attacks in 1862, being enrolled August 22, in Co. K, 9th reg. After serving a year on the western frontier his regiment joined the army of the

'I eniiesseo. He was cMi)tiirc'd tit Guntown, Mississippi, in June, 1864, iuul ku})t ill various rebel ])ri8()ns a year, the last live months at Aiidersonville. He was exchanged at the close of the war, and is one of three out of eleven Saratogans who survived an imprisonment at Andersonville. After the close of the war he sold his Saratoga property and removed to Elmira township, in the adjoining county of Olmsted, where he still owns 240 acres oi land, tilled by his eldest son. In September, 1882, he bought the property on wliich he resides, being 240 acres on Sees. 3 and 4, Saratoga, the residence being on the latter. He is a republiqan, and served eight successive years as supervisor in Elmira, and six years as justice of tlie j)eace. He is the father of four children, born as here recorded : Frederick A., February 9, 1859, resides Elmira; Emma L., August 8, 1860, married James W. Rutledge, lives at Dundee, Dakota; Eva G., May 4, 1867; George Leroy, June 14, 1875.

Nathan M. Cross, farmer, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, November 9, 1835. His parents, Joel and Julia A. Medbury Cross, were also natives of that state. He has always been a farmer, having been reared on a farm. In 1859 he became a resident of Saratoga, buying one-fourth of Sec. 27, where his home has ever since been. By subsequent purchase he has acquired 200 acres more, and is one of the most successful and substantial farmers of this rich township. Mr. Cross is a skeptic on religious questions. His political principles are republican ; he has been treasurer of his school-district fourteen years, and was elected town treasurer in 1883. On April 7, 1856, he was joined in holy wedlock to Miss Anna Lane, who was born in Utica, New York, Novem'ber 14, 1848. They have two children living, given them as follows : William E., August 5, 1871; Cora B., October 12, 1873. Mr. Cross enlisted under the last call for troops, in April, 1865, and was gone a little over three months, but saw no active service.

Ira Murphy, farmer, was born in Logansport, Indiana, August 20, 1852. He is a son of John Murphy, native of Tennessee, and Mary J. Murphy, of Indiana. In 1856 his father settled in Jordan, Fillmore county, this state, where he has become a wealthy man. He has 520 acres of land in this township. In 1876 the subject of this sketch began managing this property, and has resided since 1876 on a quarter of Sec. 22, which now constitutes his charge. He was married April 12, 1881, to Ella Griffin, who was born near Logansport, March 6, 1860. They have one child, Nora Sibyl, born March

22, 1883. Mr. Murphy is a inember of (Ihattield Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and a democrat. Altliougli not a ineniber of any elmrcli, he is a iirni believer in the Christian religion.

James Walker (deceased) was born near Port Norris, County Armagh, Ireland, May 3, 1810. He was reared on a farm and subsequently engaged in manufactures. He came to the United States in 1833, and to^ok charge of a cotton-mill at Philadelphia. He was married Isovember 20, 1837, to Miss Rebecka Anderson, who was born in the town of Baragh, County Tyrone, Ireland, August 3, 1822. About 1840 he removed to Delaware, and during several years of his residence there, kept a general store near Wilmington. After five years' residence on a farm in Iowa he became a resident of Saratoga, buying claims to a half of Sec. 17, where he resided till his death, July 14, 1882. Mr. Walker was an active, intelhgent man, and by giving close attention to business was prospered. At one time he owned over a section of land ; after presenting each of two sons with eighty acres of land he left an estate of 400 acres, with complete buildings and other improvements. He gave little attention to public affairs, but voted with the republican party. He was several yeays a town supervisor, and also justice of the peace some time. He joined the I.O.O.F. in Pennsylvania, and was a member of the lodge at Winona at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Walker were both Presbyterians. Beside his widow and many friends the following eight children mourn his loss : Robert J., who married Martha Burrell, resides on Sec. 22; Elizabeth A., William Fry, Winona; James J., Frances Van Aiken, Winona; William E., mentioned elsewhere; Henry C, operates farm; Rachel E., Jennie I., at home; Albert T., Lizzie Culbertson, Saratoga.

George Crowson, farmer, was born in Broughton, Leicestershire, England, February 18, 1837. He was brought up In the country, and his mother being early left a widow, he had little opportunity for educatiim; the only advantage he enjoyed in this line was that furnished by the Sabbath and night schools. His natural strength of mind and subsequent self-culture have stood him in good stead, and he is numbered among the representative men of which Saratoga township boasts so many. At eighteen years of age he emigrated to America, settling near Oberlin, Ohio, where he engaged in farm labor. Six years later he came to Saratoga and rented land. In the fall of 1861 he bought a farm on Sec. 8. This he soon sold, and has owned several farms for short periods. In

1870 lie piircliased one-foiirtli of Sec. 7, wliere his home has been ever since. Mr. Crowson was reared in the Episcopal church, and still gives his support to that sect. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and of Troy Lodge, A. F. and A. M. He is a republican, and has served as town suj^ervisor one year ; has been school director several terms. In 1855 Mr. Crowson was wedded to Mary A. Parmer, who was born near Broughton, August 26, 1830. She died September 14, 1875, leaving the following children: George W., born April 23, 1856, married Wealthy Gallup, resides in St. Charles; Elizabeth M., February 2, 1859; Sarah J., October 14, ISCO; James E., October 24, 1862; Frank E., September 10, 1865. On May 1, 1876, Mr. Crowson married Sarah Wilson, born near Columbus, Wisconsin, July 28, 1856. The children born to the latter union are: Alice E., August 27, 1877; Ernest A., February 10, 1881.

Abram D. Hesselgrave, farmer, was born in Lisbon, St. Lawrence county. New York, July 22, 1827. His parents, James H. and Margaret (Ilolderness) Hesselgrave, emigrated from England to America. He has always been a farmer, being reared to that calling. He bought a farm in Parish ville, New.Yoi'k, which he tilled many years. His marriage took place July 16, 1851, the bride being Miss Margaret Shampyne, who was born in Cornwall, Canada, March 9, 1831. Her parents were John and Rosanna Shampyne, and were born in Canada. Mr. Hesselgrave early responded to the calls of his native land for aid in suppressing treason in its midst. He enlisted August 25, 1862, in Co. E, 106th reg. N. Y. Inf., and served in the army of the Potomac through all its severe campaigns. The most important battles in which he was an actor were those of Martinsburg, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Culpepper, the A\^il(lerness, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, Bermuda Hundred, Cedar Creek and Petersburg. At the latter contest he was sliot through the rightwrist, April 2, 1865. He was discharged in June of this year, and sold out his New York property and removed to the west. He arrived in Saratoga in the fall, and bought forty acres of land on Sec. 16, where he lived seven years. This he sold, and lived on rented land a few seasons. In 1878 he acquired his present domain, embracing 114 acres on Sec. 15. He is a Methodist in religious belief and a republican in political principle. Following is the record of his children : Jane, born June 22, 1852, married Charles Brackley, lives on Sec. 15; Margaret, July 16, 1853 ; Julius

John Gibson, farmer, was born in Leicestershire, England, January 19, 1834. Up to thirteen years of age his life was passed on a farm, and he was then apprenticed to a tailor, and worked at that trade eight years. At twenty-four he emigrated to America, and engaged in farm labor near Oberlin, Ohio, three years. In 1860 he moved westward and settled in Saratoga. He had been here but a short time when he responded to the call of his adopted country for troops to suppress rebellion. He was enrolled in January, 1862, in the 2d batt. Minn. Light Art., and served in the army of the Cumberland till April, 1865, taking part in twenty-one battles and nine skirmishes. Principal among the former were those of Corinth, Ferryville. Stone River, Chickamauga and Sherman's Atlanta campaign. Two horses were shot under him, and he was internally injured, so that he never fully recovered, by the fall from his steed at Stone River. Mr. Gibson was married April 8, 1862, at Winona, to Miss Maggie Burns, who was born in County Kildare, Ireland, November 24, 1832. He now has 120 acres of land on Sees. 7 and 8, Saratoga, and is a happy and prosperous farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are Methodists in religious faith. They are members of the order of Patrons of Husbandry. Mr. Gibson is a republican.

John L. Blair, farmer, was born in Rensselaer county, New York, July 7, 1834. He is a son of Luke Blair, one of Winona county's pioneers, elsewhere mentioned. The subject of this sketch passed his early years on a farm, attending the common schools of New York. He was in his nineteenth year when he came with his father to this county. He afterward made claim to 160 acres of land on Sees. 1 and 2, Saratoga, which he retained and dwelt on till 1866. He was married April 16, 1859, to Miss Martha E. Cheatham, born in Woodburn, Illinois, January 7, 1835 ; her parents, W. W. and Margaret S. (Wilson) Cheatham, were born in Kentucky. Mr. Blair has seen active military service, having been mustered as a recruit in the 1st batt. Minn. Heavy Art., February 16, 1864. He was under fire over ninety days in all, this batteij being in active service in the army of the Tennessee. He ]>artic\pated in the bombardment at Kenesaw, siege of Atlr^nta, of Savannah and the march to Washington, by way of Richmond and Petersburg. After the close of the war Mr. Blair bought a farm on Sec. 35, St. Charles, and soon after sold his original claim and has ever since resided within this townsliip. His landed j)roperty at present embraces 120 acres on Sees. 30 and 31, and a quarter-section near Ordway, Dakota. He has resided since November, 1882, on St. Charles street, in tlie city of St. Charles. lie has been called upon several times since the war to fill various public positions. He was assessor for thi-ee years in the town of St. Charles, and supervisor for a like period ; he served one term as justice of the peace, and on re-election refused to serve. In 1871 he was elected by the republicans to the fourteenth legislature, and served with credit to himself and his constituents. He is now independent in political matters. His religious views are most nearly represented by the Swedenborgians.